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Shown on this page are excerpts from the Principal website to give an overview of the
product range. For vast information that is readily available, we invite you to visit
Principal website at the link provided at the end of this page.
 
   
 
Camera Support Products
 
  Tripods
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Tripod Photo

A photographic tripod normally has an extendable center column for extra height from a more compact closed length and single telescopic leg tubes (as opposed to the double parallel tubes of a video tripod). Our range of photographic tripods is split between RAPID COLUMN models like the classic, versatile 055 and 190 series (a.k.a. 3001, 3205, 3011, 3021, 3221 in the U.S.A.) in aluminum or carbon fiber + magnesium; the DIGI family of tripods for "point-and-shoot" cameras; the innovative NEOTEC leverless tripod; and a number of heavy-duty, professional studio GEARED COLUMN tripods including the 058 (3251) TriAut, the 475 and the 161mk2, with a load capacity of 20kg (44lbs).




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Tripod Video

Traditionally, video tripods have double leg tubes which, though thin, give the tripod more structural resistance to twisting and torsion - vital when using heavy videocameras with pan and tilt heads: without this extra reinforcement, every pan movement risks bringing unwanted juddering and shake into your film. We offer a range of double-tube tripods for video equipment up to full ENG, but for the new generation of ever-shrinking MiniDV and MicroDV cameras which are light enough not to require an over-performing tripod we have developed the MDeVe family of hybrid photo/video tripods, which have the lighter, more compact single leg tube structure of the photo tripod combined with the levelling half-ball of the video support, allowing perfectly horizontal pans.




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Tower Stand

Tower stands (also known as Studio- or Column Stands) offer studio photographers rock solid support for photo equipment of all formats up to the largest view or field cameras. The basic design is that of a tall (up to 280cm) column mounted on a very sturdy, solid T base (allowing it to get close up to still life tables and sets), with a horizontal cross arm adjustable in height and reach. The camera head(s) and camera(s) itself are fixed to the cross arm; by putting them off-centre in this manner, it's easier to get in behind the camera to check framing and composition, and there's less chance than with a tripod of knocking it off-position when moving around the studio or set. 




  Tripod Photo
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Geared Column Tripod

The handle-driven gear and tooth mechanism and the secure anti-rollback system on the centre column of these tripods makes them more suitable for heavier camera equipment. At the same time, they are more precise in height adjustments, so are good for still life and studio work, or even (if you have good strong arms) outdoor macro photography where framing fine-tuning is critical.




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Rapid Column Tripod

With a simple lock/unlock mechanism on the centre column, rapid column tripods are faster and easier to adjust in height than their counterparts. The column can also often be inverted for ground-level macros or even set horizontally to get the camera out from above the tripod legs.




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Special Photo Tripod

What better exemplifies a truly "special photo tripod" than the 458B NEOTEC - the first professional tripod that opens, repositions and closes in under 5 seconds, without levers or screws? Here you'll also find the tiny, pocket-sized table top tripods that make sure you're never stuck without a solid support for your camera.




  Tripod Video
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Geared Column Tripod

The handle-driven gear and tooth mechanism and the secure anti-rollback system on the centre column of these tripods makes them ideal for heavier camera equipment. Unlike classic video tripods without center columns, they allow easy height adjustment. Can easily be used for photo applications too.




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A.R.T. ROADRUNNER TRIPODS

The world's fastest video tripod family, the 542ART carbon fiber and 532ART aluminum models can be opened or closed in under 4 seconds, without buttons, levers or knobs... ideal for all time-critical situations from weddings to war zones! Speed has not been achieved at the cost of strength - these tripods are as stable, durable and reliable as standard video kit.




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100mm Half Bowl Tripod

video tripods designed to carry industry-standard 100mm half-ball fluid heads. The ball and socket fitting allows the head to be levelled independently of the tripod for faster, more accurate adjustment and more consistent pan movements.




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75 mm Half Bowl Tripod

video tripods designed to carry industry-standard 75mm half-ball fluid heads. The ball and socket fitting allows the head to be levelled independently of the tripod for faster, more accurate adjustment and more consistent pan movements.




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50mm Half Bowl Tripod

Our MDeVe range of tripods fit flat-based video heads, but have a compact 50mm levelling ball-and-socket built into the tripod itself. Some models have a center column which allows considerable height adjustment without touching the tripod legs; others have the levelling ball as close as possible to the tripod shoulder for those video purists who don't want a center column. Ideal for compact DV and small HD cameras.


  Head Photo
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Three Way Head

separate locking controls and rotational movement on each axis - panoramic, front tilt and side tilt, allowing precise framing adjustment.




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Ball Head

a ball and socket joint allows movement on all axes at the same time with a single locking mechanism, ideal for faster framing changes. Some heads in our range have double 90° grooves for portrait-landscape orientation on either side of the head. Friction can be applied to larger ball heads to help balance heavier cameras.




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QTVR Head

panoramic, or QTVR®, heads are used to create single-row cylindrical or multi-row spherical composite photographic images for immersive virtual environments or simply for long (or tall) panorama prints. By positioning the camera's nodal point over the tripod and head's center of rotation, resulting images are much more accurately aligned and easier to stitch together in post production. image credit: http://www.arnaudfrichphoto.com/




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Geared Head

the ultimate in precision, geared heads use a tooth and cog mechanism on each axis of rotation to allow extra-fine control over framing adjustment. Because they don't require locking off or unlocking between movements, they are especially convenient and secure supports for with heavy photographic equipment.




  Head Video
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Flat Base Video Head

for use with photographic-type tripods and the MDeVe series, or with halfball-type video tripods using a special adapter.




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100mm Half Bowl Head

heads using industry standard 100mm half-ball mount to video tripod. The half ball system allows for levelling of the head independent of the tripod - essential for panning that doesn't induce sea-sickness in the viewer!




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75mm Half Bowl Head

the smaller 75mm industry standard half-ball video tripod fitting is used on smaller heads for a more compact support for today's lighter professional camcorders




  Kits
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Kit Video

Tripod + Head (+ Bag) combinations for video applications. Video kits are specially put together to ensure compatibility between components based on size, weight, load capacity and usage, so take some of the uncertainty out of trying to match up different pieces of equipment.




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Kit Photo

Tripod + Head (+ occasionally Bag/Strap) combinations for photo and sport optics / birdwatching applications. Kits are specially put together to ensure compatibility between components based on size, weight, load capacity and field of application, so take some of the uncertainty out of trying to match up different pieces of equipment.




  Kit Video
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100mm Half Bowl Tripod

video kits based around tripods with 100mm half-bowl head fittings.




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75 mm Half Bowl Tripod

video kits based around tripods with 75mm half-bowl head fittings.




  Camera Supp. Accessories
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Camera Supp. Accessories.

Everything you can't find elsewhere is in here: bags and straps, mid level and ground-level tripod spreaders, dollies, arms and brackets and more besides...




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Plates & Adapt. Video

Quick release camera-to-head plates, plate assemblies, sliding plates and other adapters primarily for video applications or for use with long lenses and sport optics.




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Plates & Adapt. Photo

photographic quick release camera-to-head plates, plate adapters and accessories.




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Monopods

We agree... this is a strangely hidden place to find something as useful as our monopod range. Monopods are ideal travel and outdoor companions, taking up little space yet giving invaluable support and better results than hand-held hooting. Favoured also by sports photographers using long, heavy lenses but needing lightning fast reactions and repositioning.




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Remote Control

our recently-introduced range of video camera remote control units are either pan-bar or clamp mounted and put the most important commands of the camcorder at your fingertips when using tripods, monopods, the Fig Rig or other support equipment




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Tower Stand Acc.

extra camera plates, mounts, counterweights, arm extensions, accessory trays and other useful add-ons for photographic studio & column stands.




 
Lighting Support Products
 
 
  Lighting Supports
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Stands
Manfrotto’s range of stands consists of different product families which differ in design and materials depending both on the applications for which they are intended and on the type of light they support.
To make reference to this section as easy and as useful as possible we have grouped the stands by family and load capacity: by knowing the weight of the light for which you need a stand you will be able to choose the one that match you needs from the different versions.
A wide choice of complementary accessories adds further versatility to the stands range.



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Lighting Supp. Accessories
the Manfrotto/Avenger range is backed up by a huge selection of accessories, from stand extensions to attachment adapters.


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Lighting Support Systems
Lighting Support Systems covers everything from the Autopole® system to arms and brackets, grip heads, booms, sky track aerial suspension system, plates and pump cups, still life tables and background supports including the motorized Expan units


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Clamps
A practical range of clamps and grips to hold lights and accessories wherever you need them, in the studio and on location - no matter what the size of the object to be supported or the surface to clamp to.


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Lighting Control System
For better control of light from all sources you can choose from a wide selection of light modifiers - flag, stop or soften output, add or block off selected areas to achieve exactly the lighting effects you want


 
  Stands
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Combo Stands
Industry workhorses with trouble-free service. Equally suited to the studio and location work, with rust-free inserts, captive lock-offs, levelling legs, double braces and optional braked wheels.


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Century Stands
Ideal for flags and scrims, century or "C" stands have fold-away legs that allow the stand to be placed tight in to otherwise unaccessible set corners. The 3 legs are at different heights so open stands can be stacked close to each other without the legs getting in each others' way


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Overhead Stands
designed to support butterfly textiles as flyouts from the top grip head, these stands are extremely versatile, thanks to their wide base and high reach


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Baby Lightweight Stands
Hardworking, versatile lightweights for kits, locations and studio work.


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Roller Stands
Smooth-running studio performers with low-profile bases that roll into place on set. Wheels have positive brakes. Available with a range of attachment options.


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Boom Stands
A stand and a boom in one, the special articulated joint works as both a locking collar and pivoting boom clamp depending on whether the top tube is used vertical or horizontal. Flexible and versatile


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Junior Stands
Professional heavy duty stands for studio or location, these industry-standard workhorses offer trouble-free service. Double-braced legs and universal type 14 head fitting with 28mm socket and 16mm socket with popup 16mm spigot.


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Strato Safe
Strato Safe stands meet stringent industry regulations for extra-safe operation with heavy loads (upto 100kg)


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Wind Up Stands
Our tall, high-load wind-up stands with fold-away crank handles, levelling legs, double braces, internal safety cables and simultaneous risers are industry leaders


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Microphone Stand
Microphone Stands with quick release and lock


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Speaker Stands
Speaker Stands have an open tube top attachment with optional alternative fittings for maximum versatility. Wide base and double-braced legs give greater stability


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Folding Base Stands
compact storage versions of the roller stand for studio/set use, these low units mount century stand columns to make custom rolling stands


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Wincher Stands
What else would you trust to support 180kg at 5.85m from the ground?


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Stacker Stand
Innovative lightweight stacker stands fold flat and clip together for more compact storage and easier transport.


  Lighting Support Systems
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Autopole System
The ultimate adjustable lighting pole system can be used to create a background support, structure a lighting grid, substitute a stand for a smaller footprint or any of hundreds of other uses. Single action cantilever lock (with safety release) exerts the right amount of pressure to ensure a secure fit. Protective rubber feet mean Autopole can be used in delicate environments without damaging floors, ceilings or walls.


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Arms, Brackets & Bars
mainly used in conjunction with stands or clamps, our articulated arms, multi-positioning arms and attachments enable accurate positioning of lighting and effects. Like the Super Clamp, the amazing Magic Arm and Variable Friction Arm are so versatile that they're even used by the NASA space shuttle program.


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Grip Head System
hold and position scrims, flags, floppies, cutters, dots and fingers.


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Lighting Booms
Lighting Booms are an unobtrusive way to hold lighting and reflector gear above the subject.


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Sky Track System
The Sky Track system uses ceiling-suspended rails to mount lights and lighting modifiers underneath carriages and pantographs, keeping the studio/set floor completely clear.


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Plates & Pump cup fixings
Plates & Pump cup fixings allow you to mount small lights and accessories from walls, floors, doors, ceilings, windows, mirrors or any other smooth surfaces where no other mount can go


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Multiclamp System
A range of tubes and joints that allows you to build your own one-off structures for lighting support (and much more besides).


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Background Supports System
The Expan background paper/fabric roll drive set is at the base of our background support systems, whether manually driven or motorised and remotely controlled


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Still Life Tables
Still Life Tables made using the multiclamp system so that they can be extended to meet your exact demands


  Clamps
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Super Clamp
The Super Clamp is so universally used and so trusted that it's even seen on the space shuttle. Quite simply the most versatile single piece of light grip gear ever.


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Pipe Clamps
Sturdy and practical - ideal for all heavy duty applications


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Quick Action Clamps
based on some of our most popular clamp designs, the Quick Action series has a screw-thread release button which allows the fastest possible locking and unlocking of the clamp, making them easier and safer to use.


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Stage Clamps
Stage Clamps work on diameters from 30mm to 52mm. The double locking-knob position always provides an optimal grip point.


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LP / MP Clamps
Also known as truss clamps or couplers, our "eye couplers" are made from extruded aluminium in two basic designs and two widths. The new design of the clamps is more practical in use and offers considerable weight savings. A wide range of attachments is available for every possible use.


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Grab Clamps
a wide-reaching pincer jaw grips a wide range of pipes, tubes, beams and girders. The choice of attachments makes for even more versatility


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Spring Clamps
Spring Clamps will hold on to sheet metal, wood panels, pipes/tubes/risers and hold lightweight accessories or camera flashes


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Teles. Hangers
a convenient method of suspending lighting equipment from above, leaving floorspace unobstructed


  Alternative Support System
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Fig Rig System

the "steering wheel" 595B Fig Rig video camera support is backed up by a range of accessories




product minisites

 
Practical photography lessons from Manfrotto and Webphotoschool to help you get the most from your equipment in "real-life" situations.
How to Use a Tripod: The Basics
get the sharpest possible pictures from your camera
Shooting Glamour in the Studio
lighting setups for portrait and glamour
Cobra on the Water
"floating" a car on water and controlling reflections
Shooting Portraits on the Beach
outdoor photography: tips for regulating natural light.
A Different View on Jewellery Photography
changing point of view, props and backgrounds for impactful photos.
A Close up Look at Macro Photography
how to get pin-sharp, detailed, well-lit macros
Tripods and Telephotos
how a tripod helps steady long telephoto lenses
Shooting Coastal Panoramas
with a few minutes preparation, save yourself hours in stitching and post-production